Where to look depends on what device created the hotspot

Your hotspot password lives in one of three places: the device settings where you turned the hotspot on, the original paperwork or box the device came in, or your account with the carrier. The exact location depends on whether you are using a phone, a dedicated hotspot device, or a home router.

If you set up the hotspot yourself, you may have changed the password from the factory default. If someone else set it up, you will need access to that device or account to see what they chose. Most devices let you reset the password to a new one you create, which is often faster than hunting for the original.

Key Takeaways

  • On an iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and look for the Wi-Fi password field; on Android, go to Settings > Tethering & portable hotspot and tap the network name to see the password.
  • If you forgot the password, you can create a new one directly in the hotspot settings on your phone without calling your carrier.
  • For dedicated hotspot devices or home routers, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the device for the factory password, or log into your carrier account online to view or reset it.
  • If the device is not yours, you will need the owner's permission and access to their phone or account to retrieve or change the password.

Finding the password on an iPhone

Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot. You will see a Wi-Fi password field with a string of characters. That is your current hotspot password. If you do not see the Personal Hotspot option, your carrier may not support it, or it may be turned off — scroll down and check that it is toggled on.

If you want to change the password to something easier to remember, tap Edit next to the Wi-Fi password field and type a new one. The new password takes effect when ready, and anyone currently connected will be disconnected and will need to reconnect using the new password.

Finding the password on Android

Open Settings and search for "hotspot" or navigate to Tethering & portable hotspot. Tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or Mobile hotspot (the exact name varies by phone maker). You will see the network name and a password field below it. Tap the password field or the gear icon next to the network name to view or edit the password.

Some Android phones show the password as dots for security. If you cannot see the actual characters, look for a "show password" checkbox or toggle it on. If you want to change it, delete the current password and type a new one, then save the changes.

Finding the password on a dedicated hotspot device

Dedicated hotspot devices — small boxes you carry that create a Wi-Fi network — usually have the factory password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. The sticker shows the network name (SSID) and the password. If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can reset the device to factory settings, which will restore the original password printed in the manual.

To reset most devices, hold the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The device will restart and use the factory password again. Check your device manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model.

Finding the password through your carrier account

Log into your carrier's website or app — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or whichever provider you use. Look for a section called Devices, My Devices, or Device Management. Find your hotspot device in the list and tap it. Many carriers show the Wi-Fi password and network name in this view, and some let you change the password directly from the account page.

If you cannot find the password in your account, call your carrier's customer service number (usually on your bill or the back of your SIM card). They can tell you the current password or reset it to a new one. Have your account number or phone number ready.

Resetting the password if you forgot it

The fastest way to recover a forgotten password is to create a new one. On a phone, go back to the hotspot settings and edit the password field directly. On a dedicated device, use the reset button to restore the factory password, then log into the device's admin page (usually 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) and change the password from there.

If you do not have access to the device itself — for example, if a family member set it up and you do not know their phone password — you will need to ask them to change it for you, or contact your carrier to reset it. Carriers can usually do this over the phone, though they may ask security questions to verify you own the account.

What to do if the device is not yours

If the hotspot belongs to someone else, you cannot view or change the password without their permission. Ask the person who set it up to give you the password, or to change it to something you both know. If it is a work device, contact your IT department or manager.

If you are trying to connect to a hotspot and do not know the owner, you will need to ask them directly. There is no way to bypass a hotspot password without the owner's help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my hotspot password if I forgot it but still have the device?

Yes. On a phone, go to the hotspot settings and the password will be displayed there. On a dedicated device, check the sticker on the back, or reset the device to restore the factory password. You can also create a completely new password in the settings without needing to remember the old one.

What if my phone does not show a Personal Hotspot option?

Your carrier may not support hotspot on your plan, or the feature may be turned off. Check your carrier's website or call them to confirm hotspot is included. Some plans charge extra for hotspot data. If it is included, restart your phone and check Settings again.

Can I change my hotspot password without telling people who are connected?

When you change the password, anyone currently using the hotspot will be disconnected when ready and will not be able to reconnect until they enter the new password. You should tell them the new password before you change it, or change it at a time when no one is using it.

Is the hotspot password the same as my phone's Wi-Fi password?

No. Your phone's hotspot password is separate from any Wi-Fi network your phone connects to. The hotspot password is what other devices use to connect to your phone's internet. You set and change it independently in the hotspot settings.

What if I cannot log into my carrier account to find the password?

Call your carrier's customer service line. They can look up your hotspot password or reset it for you over the phone. Have your account number, phone number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready for verification.